Tag Archives: Spike Milligan

“Make no little plans, they have no magic in them to stir men’s blood. Make big plans, aim high in hope and work.” Daniel H Burnham

There’s an amusing story in Spike Milligan’s memoirs – and there are many so I can’t state which – where he tells of a conversation he had with some Army friends during the Desert Campaign in WWII. I’m probably paraphrasing, but one friend said something like, “When this is all over I’m going to open a small café.” Another said, “When I get home I’m opening a big restaurant with a massive stage, holing 1,000 people and putting great acts on.”

The first one said, “Don’t be stupid, that would take a massive amount of time, effort and money.”

And the second one said, “As long as we’re dreaming, it ain’t costing me anything. So I’m dreaming BIG.”

I believe other, more famous people have said something similar. I once counselled a personal development trainer, who had a successful international operation. She said, “I’d love to hold an event in the Albert Hall.” So I said, “Book it for 5 years’ time and start working on it now. It’ll happen.” She seemed surprised I should support such a big plan – but then paused, went quiet, and started to seriously think about it. That was less than 5 years ago, I’m looking forward to a trip to London.

Another celebrity said, “Decide upon your plan, and then execute it – violently.” Who’d have thought General George S Patton was a philosopher?